Character Esprit: Bringing Character to Life

Each Wednesday you’ll see a new feature here on the blog called Character Esprit. Character Esprit highlights individuals, kids and companies that are truly bringing character to life. I have a stack of profiles that I’ve already selected. However, today, I want to spotlight a few of the leaders on Twitter that I feel really hand-deliver character on a daily basis.  In no particular order, here they are: 1.    Wendy Young (@kidlutions). Sometimes when I see Wendy’s tweets or when we are tweeting back and forth, I wonder is Wendy and I were separated at birth. Her desire to support families shines in her posts, her humor and her general approach to learning and life. She is a wealth of information that is not to be missed.

2.    Sandra Huber (@soulfulparent). I met Sandra a few months ago and instantly felt like she was a close friend.  Her desire to serve and help others pours out of her. She is one woman who is definitely doing more than setting a postive example for kids, she leads it. (I also have a sneaky suspicion that if you put Sandra in the same room with Wendy and me, we’d quickly become three very optimistic, enthusiastic musketeers of mischief.)

3.    Lara Ivey (@growupwithbooks). Lara has this incredible online children’s book rental business. As a mom with kids who **LOVE** to read, I think this is a fantastic idea. More than that, though, Lara is just a great woman, and I know that if we lived in the same town, we’d probably get together several nights a week to play games, chat over books and watch the kids romp around outside.

4.    Amy Hilbrich Davis (@InspiringMoms). Amy is so, well, inspiring. This mom of seven (yes, seven) is dedicated to helping moms around the globe be more effective, more efficient and have more fun. Each time I see her tweets, I smile because I know she spreading such happiness in the world.

5.    Gabe O’Neill (@KidsAreHeroes): I didn’t actually meet Gabe through Twitter. I met him through HARO when he posted a query for kids who were performing acts of service. I’ve gotten to know him better through Twitter.  Gabe is on a mission to empower children to become involved in philanthropy at an early age. Like me, he believes that some of most important life lessons are found in service. Yes, kids are heroes, and so is Gabe.

6. Sarah Cook (@RaisingCEOKids). Sarah is such a breath of fresh air on Twitter. Her enthusiasm for kids, business, learning and life and contagious. She is on a mission to develop entrepreneurial habits in today's youth. I highly recommend connecting with Sarah - she's a true blessing!

7.    Melani Ward (@melaniward) Melani is an incredible individual of the highest integrity. Her no-nonsense approach to life and business is mixed with genuine heart and humor – and running (lots of running).  Several years ago, Melani was featured in Boulder’s Daily Camera under the 30-Second Pitch”. I remember tearing out her profile and thinking it would be a good idea to get in touch with her. I didn’t. Fast forward to summer 2009 when we officially met on Twitter. Within a week, we met for drinks with Sandy Grason and Melani Ward. Today, she’s more than a “tweep;” She’s my friend. So, if you are looking for the real deal on- and offline, she’s it.

8.    Andrea Vahl (@andreavahl) and Grandma Mary (@GrandmaMaryShow)
The world works in strange and mysterious ways. For example, it took Twitter and Facebook for me to connect with one of the most awesomesauce neighbor and friend. I love Andrea’s approach to life. She lives from an amazing place of verve. She’s always the first to join me in my zany ideas. She is also a whizbang with social media, and shares her expertise with such respect and compassion. Plus, Grandma Mary is a hoot!

9.    Sandy Grason (@sandygrason): If I could describe Sandy in one word, it would be FABULOUS.  Then I would follow it with even more FABULOUS. Every time Sandy and I talk, I’m left with the feeling that she totally gets me. So much of what she has shared about herself parallels things I have felt or experienced. Sandy has also mastered the habit of gratitude (she calls is celebration). From her morning cup of coffee to jetting off someplace fabulous, she is always thankful for what each experience offers her.

10.    Mary Kay Morgan (@theinnermarykay and @affwlthpartnr. I love Mary Kay. The first time I met her in person was at Melani and Sandy’s Mojo Retreat. She gave me a giant hug. The next time I saw her was when she stopped by with her kids. She (and her kids) just seemed so natural with my family, so that’s what I think of them. I also love that she is shaking up the world of affiliate marketing with integrity and consciousness.

11.    Alexis Martin Neely (@alexisneely). It’s incredible that such a big heart is housed in such a tiny gal. She exudes love and compassion. Alexis has such a drive for protecting families and children that she created the Family Wealth Planning Institute. She is now shifting to help entrepreneurs protect themselves as well through her LIFT program. (Very cool!) She’s also known for tweeting out powerful messages of faith from Agape when she visits L.A.



Oh my goodness, there are so many more people I could list here (@carlayoung, @ichooselove, @themetromom, @amyporterfield, @carlymayer, @jaygaddis…the list goes on. No worries, because this feature will go on as well. From time to time, I will continue to mix in more Twitter-rific folks who are bringing character to life.

If you have anyone you’d like to share, please feel to tell us about them in the comment section below. Thanks!